IBM will report flat to modestly higher...

IBM will report flat to modestly higher earnings for the third quarter while rival mainframe computer companies turn in stronger performances, industry analysts forecast. Computer analysts are calling this a transition quarter for the industry leader because many IBM customers waited until it introduced key new products before committing to purchases. Analysts expect sales to accelerate starting in the fourth quarter as IBM begins volume shipments of the new AS/400 minicomputers and 3090 S mainframes.